A Crowd TD at Laika is primarily responsible for crowd agent setup, brain development, action processing and crowd shot execution in Massive Prime. Other responsibilities include coordinating with Crowd Animation Lead and Motion Editor to define the list of required crowd actions, as well as integrating Mocap and Keyframe motion into the crowd agent behavior.

Essential Job Functions

Production experience with Massive Prime, from agent setup through to shot execution. Crowd agent setup: Brain development, Action processing, Motion tree setup and editing. Crowd shot execution using Massive Prime (or Massive Jet). Crowd shot execution using Maya (if necessary). Able to define a comprehensive list of required crowd behaviors/actions based on agent performance requirements. Communicate with the Crowd Animation Lead and Motion Editor regarding delivery of Mocap or Keyframe based animation for crowd agent behaviour. Communicate with ProdTech TD’s to define and discuss pipeline requirements around Massive. Ability to provide constructive feedback to artists and TD’s providing elements for crowd agent and shot setup. Good problem solving skills – able to find solutions to formidable problems through the creative use of existing tools. Good understanding of human motion, a good eye for realistic weight and timing in regards to human motion. Understanding of large CG animation pipelines, from asset creation to final image.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Location Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

The Character Fabricator is responsible for the fabrication of animation puppets, character prototypes, props and ancillary items. Familiar with all fabrication processes from mold making and casting through finishing of characters, including painting and costuming. Responsible for ensuring that character fabrication projects meet projected budgets and timelines.

Essential Job Functions

Perform mold making, casting and detailing of characters as necessary. Fabrication must incorporate the weight and memory required for stop motion. Working knowledge of stop motion animation as it applies to character fabrication Ensure that quality control standards are met. Work with Puppet Fabrication Supervisor to assure that characters are consistent with the production style. Work with Coordinator to ensure that all schedule information is accurately recorded and conveyed to others. Monitor all equipment and material requirements and inventory.

Qualifications

B.S./B.A. in film, art or related field or equivalent combination of education/or experience. Necessary artistic skills include sculpture in all mediums, all techniques of mold making and casting, and in some cases may need to be able to draw up plans for molds to be read by assistants. Should possess understanding and proficiency with regard to most all power tools within the wood shop along with basic woodworking and plastic fabrication skills. Should be comfortable with the use of light welding equipment and able to construct basic, light-duty armatures. Should understand puppet costuming and the uses of fabrics and related materials. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. Able to work in fine detail for extended periods of time. Prior production experience a plus. Previous experience with silicone a plus. Stop-motion animation experience a plus.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Location Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

LAIKA/Entertainment is currently qualifying and adding candidates to our database of talent for future projects.

General Summary

Responsible for the fabrication of costumes for animation puppets used in a stop motion production. The Costume Fabricator works closely with the Head of Costume, the Puppet Fabrication Supervisor, and animators to build costumes which give the animator the creative freedom to pursue the ultimate in character acting and performance while upholding the integrity of the character’s design. They must source materials that are appropriate to design and puppet scale. Fabrication skills require a keen eye, exacting talents as a seamstress, and the highest attention to detail and precision. Perfection of the stitching and seams must be appropriate for miniatures and hold up to scrutiny on a big screen.

Essential Job Functions

Fabricate costumes for stop motion animation puppets. Ability to fabricate with highest attention to detail with finest stitching and detailing. Fabric selections and fabrication must incorporate the weight and memory required for stop motion. Working knowledge of stop motion animation as it applies to fabric selection and execution of designs. Work with various dyes, finishes, and texture techniques for camera ready stop motion puppets. Must work collaboratively with other departments within Puppet Fabrication. Ability to attend to stage repairs.

Qualifications

B.S./B.A. in film, art or related field or equivalent combination of education/or experience. 3 years experience in costume fabrication. 1 year experience in puppet fabrication. Able to work in fine detail for extended periods of time under tight deadlines. Experience working in film and stop motion production preferred. Detail oriented.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

The CG Rigger works closely with the CG Animators to primarily create facial rigs, in a script build environment, in order to maintain a cohesive organic look during the animation process and through to the 3D printing process.

Essential Job Functions

Creates and supports interfaces, control mechanisms and tools for receiving departments as assigned by the Rigging Supervisor and RPD Leadership. Designs and implements new scripts, tools, and techniques for the Rigging department as well as specific RPD requirements to aid in future development. Meet production deadlines as established by management.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and experience. 2-3 years of CG feature film and/or Visual Effects or equivalent rigging experience. Experience working on a fully animated theatrically released CG feature film a plus. Knowledge of Maya, MEL and Python preferred. Experience rigging a variety of facial animation systems, including experience with body and prop rigs. Strong knowledge of character kinematics, deformation and biomechanics. Basic modeling skills and ability to understand polygonal mesh flow. Background in visual arts/design with a strong understanding of form, geometry and movement. Ability to provide feedback to team members on work under development and mentor lesser experienced team members. Knowledge of dynamics, Linux experience and Maya C++ plug in development, all a plus. 3D printing experience a plus.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Location Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

The RP CG Animator creates the performance of an animated character, conveying emotion, movement, action and personality. A CG Animator animates using a computer and software tools such as Maya.

Essential Job Functions

Create key expressions used for replacement animation cycles Block in rough animation for Director and/or Lead or Animation Supervisor for their approval. Work with Director and/or Lead or Animation Supervisor and RP Leadership to finalize animation and prepare for 3D printing. Meet animation production deadlines as established by RP Leadership and production. Animate props and effects for Pre-Vis and replacement cycles. Read and break down dialogue tracks and plan shots.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and experience. 3 years experience as a CG Character Animator in the entertainment industry. Experience working on a fully animated theatrically released CG feature film a plus. Strong understanding of traditional animation principles. Strong acting skills. High level of expertise in Maya. A firm grasp of technical animation issues including character effects and rigging is highly desired.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Location Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

The Storyboard Artist, under the Supervision of the Director and Head of Story, translates and interprets story lines into a visual medium via sketches, thumbnail drawings and finished storyboard drawings.

Essential Job Functions

Create quick thumbnail sketches through to finished detailed storyboard panels. Utilizes storytelling techniques for film and the effective use of camera and staging. Performs background research to inform the story process. Illustrate script pages and story ideas. Work with Director and Head of Story to define staging, pacing and camera action. Visually analyze and translate scripts. Create quick sketches through to finished storyboard panels. Create inventive ideas and stories with a sense of entertainment and humor for multiple types of creative projects. Develop character personality and dramatic/comedic action. Incorporate Director’s notes.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Art or other relevant area of study or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. 3+ years experience as a storyboard Artist on an animated feature films or television required. Strong drawing ability which conveys character and action. Strong understanding of the principles of animation; emotion, acting, movement is required. Strong team member with ability to work effectively with all levels in the organization including people with different styles and backgrounds. Experience with Photoshop, a plus. Experience with the Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet, a plus.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Location Hillsboro, Oregon, United States Position Type Full-Time/Regular

You may also like

Axis Animation Recruiting Lead Rigging TDLead Rigging TD Axis Animation is looking for a LEAD RIGGING TD for both next generation game cinematics and commercials projects, who will be responsible for developing r...

Senior Visual Effects (FX) ArtistCold Iron is seeking an experienced Senior FX Artist to join our world class team on our next AAA title for consoles and PC! Are you excited about breathing life into characters,...

Hydraulx VFX Recruiting Mid/Senior Animator Artists & Mid/Senior VFX ModelersMid/Senior Animator Artists DescriptionHydraulx VFX has some high profile, fun/ creature based projects in the works and is cur...

DHX Media Recruiting FX LeadFX Lead 3D DescriptionAbout UsDHX Media is recognized worldwide for our diverse original properties and our work on some of the top brands in children’s entertainment. But we c...